Eskimo Komet and Sean Davis (purple & white)© Photo Healy Racing
Luke Comer's Eskimo Komet just prevailed in another tight finish at Dundalk this evening to open his account at the second time of asking.
The Red Jazz colt had been a promising third on his debut at the track back in November and made a winning return to action.
Sean Davis was always to the fore on the 9/2 shot as he disputed the lead. He was asked for an effort over a furlong out and just found a bit more late on despite running a touch green. National Generaux on the outer, and Observing on the rail, both finished off well to join him passing the line with a short-head and a nose denying them.
Assistant trainer Jim Gorman said: "There was plenty of promise (in his first run). He probably wants a bit further, probably a mile is his ideal trip but he was tough.
"We just thought coming here today is better than going to a maiden in the Curragh because he has acted on this surface. It has worked out.
"The horses are flying, we have had a great winter here with 10 winners and loads of placed horses. We are all set for the grass starting tomorrow."
The race marked the completion of the winter series at Dundalk.
Chris Hayes was the leading jockey for the second year in a row with 14 winners.
Joseph O'Brien was the leading trainer in the winter series for the sixth consecutive season with 18 winners.
Both donated their prize money to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.
(Quotes by Michael Graham)